Inspection Process

As industry experts, we offer a full line of services including single and multi-family inspection, commercial and industrial building inspection, and customized consultations. Over the course of several thousand inspections, we have developed our own method to perform an accurate and efficient building inspection while educating the client about the property. Our inspection process and reports are not used by any other inspection company. Our inspection process and reports are not used by any other inspection company.

Appointments are usually available within 1-3 business days. If you are involved in a real estate transaction, book your inspection as soon as the purchase offer has been accepted. This will ensure that you have enough time for the initial inspection and any additional specialized inspections that may be necessary during your contract's inspection period.

Following these suggestions before your inspection will ensure that your inspection goes smoothly and that you learn as much as possible during the process.

Notification

Inform all relevant parties of the inspection date, time, and estimated duration as soon as you have made your appointment to prevent scheduling conflicts and other difficulties.

Real Estate Agent

If you are working with an agent, your agent should be present at the inspection or arrange for a representative to meet you at the property. The real estate agent will also be responsible for notifying all other parties on your behalf.

Property Owner

When you are not working with a real estate agent, contact the property owner directly to schedule the inspection. Arrange a way to access the property, and ensure that all components of the building, including the attic and crawl space, will be accessible.

Tenants If the property is tenant occupied, the tenants must be given a minimum of 24 hours written advance notice before the inspection occurs. It is also helpful to have the property manager or other owner's representative on site at the time of inspection to facilitate interaction with the tenants.

Utilities and Mechanical Systems

Utilities and mechanical systems may be turned off when not in use; this occurs frequently at vacant properties. Be sure to remind your real estate agent or the property owner that all utilities, appliances, and mechanical systems should be turned on, and if applicable, there should be enough oil or LP in the tank to

Mechanical systems that have been shut down present similar concerns. Professional organization and insurance regulations prohibit inspectors from opening plumbing and gas valves that have been closed and turning on the electrical supply to equipment that has been turned off at the electrical panel.

When a utility or mechanical system has been turned off, a re-inspection will be necessary when the components are fully operational. Having to wait for restoration of utility service or mechanical systems to be turned on and the re-inspection can cause delays in your transaction.

Documentation

Request that any documents relating to the property, such as the seller's disclosure statement, a pre-listing inspection report, roof certification, pest inspection report, or receipts for repairs completed, are available on site for reference during the inspection. Reviewing these documents will give your inspector a more complete understanding of the history of the property, repairs that have been completed, and potential problem areas.

Areas of Concern

If you have any particular concerns with the current condition of the property or questions about future upgrades you are considering, take a few moments to write them down before the inspection. With your list in hand, you will be able to concentrate on the participating in the process, and will be sure to have all your concerns addressed while the components in question are being inspected.

Know What to Expect

Read the inspection process , services and FAQ pages on this site to learn more about what an inspection entails and how the process works. For more information about the building inspection industry, visit the ASHI website.

Your inspector will be performing a visual analysis and functional testing of all accessible building components. This includes operating the heating system, removing the electrical service panel cover and examining the wiring, running all appliances and plumbing fixtures, examining the attic and foundation areas, all exterior buildings components, foundation, crawl space, windows, roof, siding, trim, all interior building components, appliances, fixtures, bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, garage and much more. The data gathered during the inspection is entered directly into the report on site (see report sample), using wireless technology and pen tablet computers. When the inspection is complete, your inspector will present a summary reviewing the key information about the property and the immediate repairs required and answer all your questions regarding the home and the inspection findings.